Choosing the right smoker is paramount whether you prefer smoking meat occasionally or consider yourself a barbecue enthusiast. Some things in life are rewarding and therapeutic at the same time, and one of these is barbecuing and smoking food. Many home chefs today prefer to use a smoker to avoid mistakes and save time. The right food smoker can allow you to prepare delicious food while you socialize and enjoy your family or guests.
If you’re wondering how to choose the right BBQ smoker to achieve delectable smoked food at home, here are a few variables to look for when buying an electric smoker.
SAFETY FEATURES IN A SMOKER
If you live with young children and pets, safety should be your first priority when choosing a smoker, good insulation is the key. Bradley electric smokers are well-insulated, which can go a long way toward preventing burns when accidentally touching the unit during use.
SMOKER QUALITY
The material a smoker is made of and how well it’s made are fair questions to ask before buying one. It’s important to ensure each part of the smoker is sturdy and to know the ins and out before use.
The paint used on the smoker should be waterproof and rustproof; this will drastically increase your smoker's life. Avoid smokers with plastic parts, as this material doesn’t handle heat well and is known for its poor durability. True of any tool or machine, the durability and sustainability of a smoker are essential to know before investing your money in the product.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN A MODERN SMOKER
How well the temperature can be controlled is a make-or-break variable. You shouldn’t compromise on temperature control in a new smoker since smoking is directly related to this feature. Switching temperatures and regulating heat is essential, especially if you like to smoke various kinds of meats.
A smoker with a basic thermostat can get the job done, but a digital display is always preferred, as it simplifies controlling the heat. The reliability of the thermostat is equally crucial and plays a vital role in temperature control.
SMOKER CAPACITY
When investing in an electric food smoker, determine how you will use it. If you plan to use it for food preservation or to smoke large quantities of meat, choose an electric smoker with a large capacity. If you want to smoke a holiday turkey or host an occasional weekend gathering, a smaller size electric smoker will suffice. Based on your smoker usage, deciding between a bigger or smaller unit should be straightforward.
More storage space and width will allow you to smoke more significant cuts of meat or ribs without worry, and you can skip the usual drill of chopping up meat before smoking. This will help you achieve the perfect flavor you aim for without overcooking the edges since your smoker offers more space.
SMOKER DESIGN
Choosing a smoker with the right design and look is important. Avoid falling for a smoker based solely on its sleek aesthetic. These smokers might look modern and suit your backyard well, but they will be disappointing when handling pressure.
Heavy-duty smokers might have an industrial look or an intimidating design, but their performance will be impressive. If you’re someone who likes smoking only once in a while and for fewer people, however, a sleeker and smaller one might suit your needs better.
EASE OF CLEANING THE SMOKER
Owning a smoker that’s easier to clean is a blessing; while some buyers might ignore this variable, know that keeping your smoker clean is necessary. If the smoker remains dirty for too long, it will produce stale smoke. This will not only turn your meat black but can also be incredibly harmful to your health. To avoid bacteria, scrub the smoker regularly with soap and water. This is easily accomplished if stainless steel is the dominant material in the smoker. Evaluate the ease of removing ash and the ability of the smoker to handle some water pressure while cleaning before choosing the model you plan to bring home.
PARTING THOUGHTS ON SMOKERS BEFORE YOU BUY
Owning a smoker can be a joy, but dealing with one that causes a nuisance can be a pain. Considering these factors will help you make the right call and provide essential and correct information on buying, using, and caring for your new smoker. Explore our helpful articles to learn more about choosing the right smoker for your needs, including understanding the difference between a pellet and electric food smoker, the top 10 reasons to choose an electric smoker, and how to use your electric smoker correctly. For more tips and smoking recipes, consult our Ultimate Smoking Guide.
